Course Attachments

Textbooks

This course is designed to teach students topics in Intermediate Algebra which will prepare them for a college level mathematics course. These include functions, linear equations and graphs, systems of linear equations, factoring polynomials, rational functions and equations, quadratic functions and graphs.

Course Expectations

PREREQUISITES: This course is designed for those students who have earned a C or better in MATH 0003 (Beginning Algebra) or who have demonstrated proficiency in basic algebra topics such as linear equations and inequalities and their graphs.

GRADES: Grades will be computed in the following manner:

Online Homework (MML) - 100 Points (Maximum)

4 Tests (100 Points each) - 400 Points (Maximum)

1 Final Exam (200 Points)- 200 Points (Maximum)

Total - 700 Points (Maximum)

630-700 Points earned - A

560-629 Points earned - B

490-559 Points earned - C

420-489 Points earned - D

Below 420 Points earned - F

TESTS: Make-up tests will be given prior to the return of that test to any Intermediate Algebra class if possible; otherwise, a grade of “0” will be recorded. The final exam (scaled appropriately) can be used to replace the lowest test grade.

FINAL EXAM: The FINAL EXAM is mandatory for all students. Failure to take the FINAL EXAM will result in a grade of “0" on the final exam.

GPA:A letter grade of A, B, C, D, or Fwill be listed on your official transcript as well as credit hours earned. As of Fall '96 grade points are earned for this course and your grade in this course is used in determining your grade point average (GPA).

Online Homework: MyMathLab is a required portion of this course. This program is installed on the computers in Bolin 103 and109, and in the Clark Student Center, Library, Dillard, and Bea Wood computer labs. You may also choose to use your personal computer; however, you will need to download necessary plug-ins. An online homework assignment has been created for each textbook section covered in class. Online homework problems may be printed, and the answers entered at a later time. Homework problems are also available from the book but these will not be graded. Your lowest four homework scores will be dropped and the remaining scores will be averaged to determine your homework grade for the course. The assigned problems represent a minimum number of problems to be worked. You are strongly encouraged to work additional problems.

Grading Standards

GRADES: Grades will be computed in the following manner:

Online Homework (MML) - 100 Points (Maximum)

4 Tests (100 Points each) - 400 Points (Maximum)

1 Final Exam (200 Points)- 200 Points (Maximum)

Total - 700 Points (Maximum)

630-700 Points earned - A

560-629 Points earned - B

490-559 Points earned - C

420-489 Points earned - D

Below 420 Points earned - F

TESTS: Make-up tests will be given prior to the return of that test to any Intermediate Algebra class if possible; otherwise, a grade of “0” will be recorded. The final exam (scaled appropriately) can be used to replace the lowest test grade.

FINAL EXAM: The FINAL EXAM is mandatory for all students. Failure to take the FINAL EXAM will result in a grade of “0" on the final exam.

GPA:A letter grade of A, B, C, D, or Fwill be listed on your official transcript as well as credit hours earned. As of Fall '96 grade points are earned for this course and your grade in this course is used in determining your grade point average (GPA).

Final Exam

5/5/2012 1:00 - 3:00

Submission Format Policy

Tests: Tests must be completed in class and within the time allotted.

Homework: Homework must be completed online through the MyMathLab system.

Free Math Help Sessions

Come-and-Go

Mondays through Thursdays 2-5 p.m. and Fridays 1-4 p.m.

Bolin Hall, Room 101

You can bring specific questions, or simply work on homework or reviews, asking questions as necessary. This is also a good place for study groups to get together.

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

TESTS: Make-up tests will be given prior to the return of that test to any Intermediate Algebra class if possible; otherwise, a grade of “0” will be recorded. The final exam (scaled appropriately) can be used to replace the lowest test grade.

HOMEWORK: Homework must be completed by the due date. The four lowest homework grades will be dropped and the remaining grades averaged to obtain a homework average.

Plagiarism Policy

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.
Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.
We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.
We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.
Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to attend all meetings of the classes in which they are enrolled. Attendance is an essential component of this course and will be checked in every class.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES:If you are absent from more than 4 classes on or before March 19 (last drop day), you will receive a grade of "F" for excessive absences(regardless of your grade average for the course).

EXCUSED/UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Absences are not categorized as excused or unexcused. All absences from class will be counted as official absences except authorized absences (as defined in the Student Handbook). If you miss class because you are hospitalized or have a death in your family, you should notify the Dean of Students immediately.

AUTHORIZED ABSENCES: Absences due to required participation in university-sponsored activities must be approved by the Division Director or Athletic Director and the Vice President for Academic Affairs. Students with written approval must present a signed letter or memo to the instructor at least two days prior to the date of the absence. Only prior notification can guarantee lack of penalty for these absences. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange with the instructor to make up all work missed during an authorized absence.

LATE ARRIVALS: If you arrive after roll has been checked, you will have been counted absent for that class. It is yourresponsibility to contact the instructor immediately following class regarding your late arrival. If you choose not to do so, the absence will be officially recorded. Any late arrival may be counted as an absence at the instructor's discretion.

CLASSROOM DISRUPTIONS: Students who need to leave class prior to the dismissal of class must have the permission of the instructor. If a student has not received the instructor's permission prior to leaving class early, the student will be counted absent for that class. It is disruptive to the classroom environment for students to leave class for personal reasons and then return to the classroom. Students may not leave the classroom unless sudden illness occurs. Students should turn off cellular telephones and pagers during class. It is the policy of the University that dependent children not be cared for in campus offices and classrooms.No food or drink(s) are allowed in classrooms in Bolin Science Hall.

Other Policies

STUDENT DROPS: If you wish to drop this course, you must first contact your instructor. Students who have not met the readiness standards of the Success Initiative must continue to attend class and may not drop this course prior to Monday, March 5, 2012. The last day to drop in order to receive a “W” is Monday, March 19, 2012. Drops after this date will receive a grade of “F”. Students receiving financial aid should contact the financial aid office before initiating a student drop.

ACADEMIC POLICIES:Students should refer to the current MSU Student Handbook and Activities Calendar and the MSU Undergraduate Bulletin for university policies on academic dishonesty, class attendance, student rights and activities.

DISABILITY POLICY: In accordance with the law, MSU provides academic accommodations to students with documented disabilities. Students with disabilities must be registered with Disability Support Services before classroom accommodations can be provided. The DSS Office is located in Clark Student Center, Room 168, phone 397-4140.

Writing Proficiency Requirement

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.